Riders Of Vision

General => TechTalk => Topic started by: MotorPlow on November 24, 2006, 09:24:49 PM

Title: Shift Shaft Problems
Post by: MotorPlow on November 24, 2006, 09:24:49 PM
Does anyone know why I would have a Shift Shaft that will pull out and push in about a centimeter, thus causing my shift shaft seal to leak over a short period of time? I have pictures posted of the travel distance at: http://motorplow.blogspot.com/2006/11/shift-shaft-problems-oil-leak.html (http://motorplow.blogspot.com/2006/11/shift-shaft-problems-oil-leak.html)

Why do I have a feeling that I am going to have to split the cases or in the very least take off the right side cover?
Title: Re: Shift Shaft Problems
Post by: Night Vision on November 25, 2006, 03:02:37 AM
it's kinda tough to tell from the pics, but I don't think that looks like a centimeter ( about 3/8" ) looks more like 1/8" down by the groove where the circlip goes on the shaft.

I checked DeckBike, which has the side case off, and the shift shaft moves in and out about a 16th. I checked two others in the corral with the case and shifters on, and they also move that 16th so I would tend to think that amount of movement is normal.

If your shaft moves in enough to release the circlip, I would take a look and make sure the groove is clean and the clip isn't sprung.

The last time you did the seal, did you put the circlip on by just spreading it slightly over the end of the shaft and sliding it down the shaft?

....or did you put it on by spreading it over the entire width of the shaft thus perhaps "sprunging" it?

It would take a lot of force to knock off a properly functioning circlip and groove.

BTW, did you get the nose seal yet?

Title: Re: Shift Shaft Problems
Post by: MotorPlow on November 25, 2006, 09:30:07 AM
Yes, the circlip is "sprung" and quite loose. Although it was still in the groove when I started looking at the shift shaft, it is quite loose. If it is normal for the shift shaft to move that much, it seems that the shift shaft seal could come loose and leak (which is what I thought was happening). Maybe I should just buy a new shift shaft seal and a new circlip and see what happens when I replace it.... again.

PS: Starter seal came Tuesday(?). Starter reinstalled on Wednesday. It is very much appreciated.
Title: Re: Shift Shaft Problems
Post by: Night Vision on November 25, 2006, 11:30:27 AM
well you do have a little more play than I do, but prolly a 16th.? I just took the circlip and washer off and I do get about 1/8" play in the shaft without them.

I thought the circlip had the holes in the end, but it doesn't. only way it comes off is over the shaft. yours could still be sprung and it wouldn't hurt to get another one while you're getting the seal.

if it was shifting good and not popping out of gear, I wouldn't worry about the 16th.

the shaft seal is like a mini fork seal or starter seal with the circular spring. I would think that the starter spinning or the forks going up and down would make them fail quicker than the shift seal. that's my reasoning anyway.

when you put the new seal in, make sure the shift shaft is smooth not rusted or pitted, light coat of grease on the outer edge of the seal, drive the seal in to refusal with a socket and make sure the seal's spring/lip faces in (but you already know that, I'm sure).

Quote from: MotorPlow on November 25, 2006, 09:30:07 AM
....If it is normal for the shift shaft to move that much, it seems that the shift shaft seal could come loose and leak......

I don't know about yours, but my seal was a bugger to get out  >:(

Try adding another thin washer and see if you can get it down to a 16th play when you have the clip on if you're worried about the shaft moving in and out.

I did put a bit of rtv between the washer and seal when I did SmokeBomb's, but that was more for oil leak protection. that might help too
Title: Re: Shift Shaft Problems
Post by: MotorPlow on November 25, 2006, 02:01:34 PM
Quote from: Night Vision on November 25, 2006, 11:30:27 AM
I did put a bit of rtv between the washer and seal when I did SmokeBomb's, but that was more for oil leak protection. that might help too

Thanx NV,
With the amount that the shaft moves, I can add some RTV between the washer and the seal without having to take anything apart. I can order a new seal and circlip, then with the 1st snow fall (hopefully a long way into the furure) I can replace them when there is no riding to be had.
Title: Re: Shift Shaft Problems
Post by: jasonm. on November 25, 2006, 04:08:28 PM
Showing in your picture , the correct name is snap ring. This is not the stock item for that groove. It should be a circlip. The circlip along with the washer, which appears to be there ...could be all you need.  But your shaft pulls out quite far...compared to others.